Matthew 25:1-30 “The Parable of the Talents”
Luke 8:16-18 “The Lamp on a Stand”
Luke 19:11-27 “The Parable of the ten Minas”
At least three accounts in the Bible shows that we are to use what God has given us, and not be selfish, or horde it like it were just ours, or HE will take it. What would we really have if God did not give it to us? We can look at it as money, and we can look at it as our testimony, but as you look at the verses remember that Jesus was never talking just to talk. Often HE said “If you have ears let you hear”. After looking through many commentaries, it comes up almost the same each time. God gives us gifts, HE provides for our needs, and increases our faith as we are open to HIM and obedient. The verses that apply to the ones who do not use what was given to them, is horrifying to me. I don’t ever want to be that one that hid his “talent”, and had no growth. I don’t ever want to be the one who had a light and hid it so that only himself would have light.
While walking this out with God today, HE reminded me that it is not salvation lost, it is more of a bottom line as to who do you love? Who will you be obedient to? If we truly love HIM it will be the only thing we will have to do–give it to someone else. Whether that be sharing whatever you have, or shining for the King when you are not sure how that will be recieved. Nothing is ever lost when using it for HIM, HE replenishes everything. As we show our faith, HE increases it. As we give to the needy, HE replaces it, As we shine in our corner of the world, our light gets brighter. The alternative is to lose what we already have even if we think we have nothing already, it can surely get worse.
Today this was on my heart. Thursday night I am going with Hubs band to the Homeless Shelter (they are there every third thursday). I have been there a bunch of times but not so much lately. I always get there and these homeless people bless my heart. They sing praises that are incredible, and they have nothing, yet they are richer than most in thier view of God. You would think that would be the place where they would curse God, but not so. A member of the band has been working out the details, and this week they will give the believing Homeless people communion. I just know that God is going to be lifting the roof, and I am going to be there letting my light shine. I don’t want to lose what God has given me so I have to give it to someone else!
Matthew 16:25 “For whoever wants to save his life will lose it, and whoever loses his life for me will find it.”
ponderings of a princess... 
Thank you for using your gift to speak to my heart today.
Love you girl!
steph.
Oh My! And we walk around with an attitude that seems to say: “God, aren’t you so fortunate to have me with my talents?!” I really went through a major spiritual shakeup several years ago over this very exact issue. I still ask God to forgive me, break me and use me!
Steph-I really need to be disciplined in using my gifts I certainly don’t want to lose them!
Papa- Ps 103 is my favorite–HE has removed our sin as far as the east is from the west!
Darla, I just sat here and bawled reading this. I know that you meant it for what you were doing in your ministry, but it spoke volumes to me with the things I’m struggling with lately. Thank you, love you.
Deb-GOd is always good, we may not always know what HE is doing but HE does…this post has been on my heart for days now..and I do love a good dig! I know that this post speaks volumes to my heart. I have some gifts I need to use more fervently. love you, always
Hey Darla,
This is one that He has been working on with me and it just blesses me when He shows me I can’t out give Him. Whether it be money, prayer, encouragement, helping others, He is expanding my horizons:) What a blessing it will be to have communion this week at the shelter, it is such an intimate time with the Lord, and not to be taken lightly. May it bless your socks off!!!
Love you girl, Laurie
Laurie-Girl! I though I lost you in cyber space!!! SO glad to hear from you! love you Princess! 😆
Mmm, good stuff! Thanks for another excellent post, Princess Darla!
Right on and right on! What a good, good word Darla. You’re calling me out here. I was spellbound reading this then I got to here…
“I don’t want to lose what God has given me so I have to give it to someone else! ”
And it didn’t pierce me because I was worried of losing something as much as I was saddened at the thought of being disobedient and faithless before my God. Just not the offering I want to present to Him. It would be so worthless. He deserves so much more!
Tam-I hear you! I used to be in shock over the way they are thrown into a hell for not using the talents or gifts, and as I walked through it, HE really did reassure me that it was meant to shock and shake me up…but the one who loves HIM will want to be obedient, once again I see a heart condition in all this, so motviated by HIS love and constant do-overs I am striving for a greater offering for my King! Love you! (99 days)